[HANASHIR:1663] Re: music theory

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Rich- What is ostinato? Emily

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> From: Rglauber (at) aol(dot)com
> To: hanashir (at) shamash(dot)org
> Subject: [HANASHIR:1630] Re:  music theory
> Date: Wednesday, October 28, 1998 10:05 PM
> 
> I'm in agreement with those who favor developing one's music theory
abilities,
> both in terms of reading, and harmony.  It doesn't make you a better
person,
> but what it will do is give you the ability to COMMUNICATE with other
> musicians.  Quite simply, it is our language, and if you don't speak the
> language, then you are limited in your ability to interact with those who
do.
> 
> One of the problems in learning music theory is the fact that it is
usually
> presented in a very traditional framework, one that is not really suited
to a
> songleader's needs.  As this one author (I can't remember his name,
sorry)
> stated...."Learning music theory will prepare you to get a gig.....in
Germany
> in the 18th century"
> 
> I'd be in favor of sharing some "practical music theory" ideas which are
> specifically geared to the work that we do.  I could name a few areas
that I
> think people should have familiarity with, and I'd be interested to see
other
> people's ideas.
> 
> For the purposes of being a Jewish music educator in 1998-99, one should
know
> about these areas (among others)  : 
> 
> The difference between major and minor  (scales and chords)
> The concept of  "relative minor"   ie  A minor is the "relative minor" of
C
> major
> Basic chord progressions in major and minor keys
> Comfortable singing ranges for girls, boys, women, and men
> How to describe and utilize musical dynamics
> Reading melody lines 
> Rhythm skills, syncopation, ostinato patterns etc
> Transposition
> 
> There could be quite a few more but this is where I would begin.  If
there is
> interest in discussing these topics, I'm quite happy to share what I
know.
> 
> Rich Glauber
> 
> PS to my "ii  V  I"  interest group.  I held off explaining that for the
time
> being, because it didn't feel totally germane to the topic of Jewish
Music.
> It's more about American popular music.  But hey, I said that I would
explain
> it, and I will do so tomorrow.  I just needed to focus on Jewish music
> first....